Could be a lot worse

That game had “A’s are gonna blow it” written all over it — but it didn’t happen.

With Kiko Calero once again stunningly ineffective, the A’s 5-0 lead had turned into 5-3 in the eighth, with the tying run at second and one out. Colby Lewis — he of the 20-plus ERA from that disastrous start at Chicago — wasn’t inspiring much confidence after hitting Ian Kinsler. Texas manager Ron Washington, knowing the A’s well, brought up two right-handed pinch hitters, Sammy Sosa and Gerald Laird, forcing Bob Geren to stick with Lewis. But Lewis’ mix of heat and curves to Sosa was masterful, and he finally struck him out on a high fastball. Laird fouled out on the first pitch. Threat over. Embree worked a quick ninth.

Since Street and Duschscherer went on the DL, the A’s bullpen has only blown one game when they led in the late innings, against the Royals. Part of the reason is because all the starters except Haren and Gaudin have been losing ‘em earlier of late, but still … you have to give credit to the bullpen, Geren, Curt Young and the pitch selection of Jason Kendall. Yes, Kendall is an offensive disaster, but tonight, you could see why he’s still in there. It could be a lot worse.